Makurdi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Benue State Sector Command, has announced a significant reduction of 47.6 per cent in road crash-related deaths during the 2025 ember months across the state.
The Sector Commander, Mr. Kehinde Dahunsi, disclosed this on Friday while addressing journalists at a press briefing in Makurdi, where he presented the outcome of the Corps’ Ember Month Road Safety Operations, code-named Operation Zero, which lasted from December 15, 2025, to January 15, 2026.
According to Dahunsi, the ember months traditionally record increased vehicular movement due to festive travels and heightened commercial activities, often resulting in a spike in road traffic crashes.
He noted that the 2025/2026 operation was particularly challenging owing to extensive road construction and rehabilitation works across Benue State, which created diversions, traffic congestion, and increased exposure of road users to hazards.
Despite these challenges, the sector commander said the command recorded notable operational successes through effective planning, sustained enforcement, improved traffic management, prompt rescue operations, and strong collaboration with critical stakeholders.
He revealed that total road traffic crashes dropped from 41 recorded in the previous ember period to 32, representing a 21.9 per cent reduction. Fatal crashes declined from 12 to eight, while serious crashes reduced slightly from 20 to 19. Minor crashes also recorded a sharper decline, dropping from nine to five.
Dahunsi further disclosed that 178 persons were involved in road traffic crashes during the period under review, compared to 196 persons recorded in the corresponding period of the previous year.
Out of the number involved, 11 persons lost their lives, while 63 sustained various degrees of injuries, compared to 88 injured persons previously. He added that the number of persons rescued without injury remained constant at 87.
The sector commander
attributed the improved safety outcomes to intensified patrols, high-visibility enforcement, and the deployment of mobile courts, which, he said, enhanced compliance with traffic regulations and served as a strong deterrent against road traffic violations.
He also observed a noticeable improvement in the use of seat belts, crash helmets, and speed-limiting devices by motorists during the operation.
Providing further statistics, Dahunsi said 2,028 traffic offenders were apprehended for 2,128 offences, while 833 vehicles were impounded.
In addition, 1,195 valid vehicle documents and national driver’s licences were confiscated in the course of the exercise.
However, he expressed concern over persistent challenges such as speeding, night travel, and non-compliance with traffic rules, particularly within road construction zones, which he said continue to pose serious risks to road safety.
Dahunsi commended the Corps Marshal and the Management of the FRSC for their strategic support and guidance, while also praising officers and men of the Benue Sector Command for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment throughout the operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain enforcement and public enlightenment efforts to further reduce road crashes and fatalities across the state.
